How to Do PRC Renewal of License Online

I am lazy when it comes to renewing my professional license (a.k.a. PRC license). My reasons are (1) I could not go absent from work, (2) Going to the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) is too tedious, and (3) I do not have enough Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points.

I was forced to renew my PRC license last year because I heard that the PRC will remove the license of all Filipino professionals who don’t renew their PRC license for more than 10 years. It was a big hassle for me because I had to move heaven and earth just to get the required CPD points. My only consolation was that the PRC renewal of license is now online.

If you are a Filipino professional like who have to renew his PRC license, then here are the steps that you should follow to do PRC renewal of license online.

Step 1. Go to the PRC Online website and register.

Step 2. Fill up the required information in the PRC Online Registration/Renewal Form

Step 3. Upload your photo.

Note that the photo that you will submit to the PRC online will be used for your new PRC ID. So to avoid delay or disapproval, you must follow these requirements:

1. The photo must be 2X2 in size in plain white background.
2. The photos must be taken no more than 6 months prior to uploading.
3. The applicant must wear decent attire with collar.

The application of PRC renewal will not be processed if:

1. The photo does not resemble the applicant.
2. The applicant wears eyeglasses.
3. The background is not plain white.
4. The photo has shadows.
5. Ears are covered.

Based on my experience, the PRC website do not accept photos that have file size that are very big. I had to use a photo editing software to reduce the file size of my photos.

It is a big hassle if your photo is not accepted by the PRC because you will be asked for an acceptable photo during your scheduled appointment with the PRC. I recommend that you bring a 2x2 photo that follow the above mentioned requirements when you go to the PRC office to avoid hassle when your photo was rejected. 

Step 4. Schedule your PRC renewal.

Click the “Select Transaction” button in your PRC online profile. Fill up the required information and then choose the PRC office or satellite office where you want to pick up your PRC license. You should also select the date for the pick up of PRC license.

Step 5. Pay for your PRC renewal of license.

PRC online will give you a voucher that you can use to pay your PRC license renewal. You can pay at any authorized Bayad Center. 

Step 6. Pick up your PRC license

Go to your selected PRC office or PRC satellite office on your appointed schedule to pick up your PRC license. Don’t forget to bring the receipt of your payment of the PRC renewal fee, CPD certificates, certificate of good standing from your professional organization, and your old PRC ID. Photocopy all of the said documents because the PRC staff may request copies of it.

And that’s it. That’s the easy and convenient way of PRC renewal of license. I am happy with this new system created by the PRC. What’s problematic is the CPD system that the PRC instituted. I believe that the CPD system is unfair.

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PRC "Online" Registration System

The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) of the Philippines is [very] slowly upgrading their system. The commission already established satellite offices in SM Malls, just like what the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) did for the application of passport. PRC is also moving online because they placed some of the steps in getting professional license on their website.

One of the steps that PRC placed on their website is the online application for licensure exam. The commssion also placed application forms, petition forms and other forms, which can be downloaded by applicants and Filipino professionals.

Another resource that PRC included in their website is the Online Registration System.

The Online Registration System can be used by those who passed the licensure exam and want to be registered with the PRC.

Unfortunately, registering with PRC cannot be done online. The Online Registration System only provides a way for professional to download their “oath form” before going to the PRC office. Other steps in registering should be done at the PRC office.

Please take note that you must bring the following documents before you to the PRC office.

1. The Oath Form that you printed from the PRC Online Registration System. Take note you don't to notarize this form.

2. One documentary stamp.

3. One one-by-one (1x1) picture in plain background with complete name tag. This is to be used for the registry of the professionals and also as photo for your PRC ID.

4. Community Tax Certificate (cedula). Make sure that the cedula is not expired.

Please check the PRC website for detailed procedures on registering as a professional.

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Do came here looking for info on how to renew your PRC ID? Read my post, Tips on Renewing Your Professional License at PRC. 

PRC License Renewal should Go Online

A commenter in my post about professional license renewal at SM malls complained about the Professional Regulation Commission's (PRC) lack of renewal process that can be done via the Internet. His complaint is for those Filipino professionals who live very far from PRC regional offices. They will be forced to travel by boat just to renew their license.

I understand the commenter's predicament. In this age when the Internet already invaded many parts of our lives, it is sad to note that the PRC is still stuck with the “paper age”. It is good that the PRC has a website and some registration procedures can be done online. Those are not enough, however, because what's being offered on the PRC website are just online forms.

An example of this the PRC Online Application system. The website of PRC just provided a way of inputting your personal data and nothing else. You still need to go a PRC office to proceed to the next steps.

Another is the “online” initial registration system. The PRC website only provides a way for Filipino professionals to download the Oath Form. The next steps are to done again at the PRC office, thus Filipino professionals will be forced to visit them.

I hate it whenever I have to spend half of my day in renewing my professional license. I am sure that many Filipino professionals feel the same way too.

When will PRC improve their system? When will they catch-up and modernize their system of license renewal and initial registration of professional?

PRC Online Application

One of the things that I hate whenever I go to the office of the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) is the long line. Every step on renewing the PRC license requires me to wait in line. Thus, I spend at least half day when I go to the PRC.

Thus, it is good that PRC is improving their services to remove the queue. One improvement is the creation of PRC satellite offices in SM Malls. Another is the PRC online application (Online Application System or OAS) for those who will be taking the licensure examintaions.

Unfortunately, the PRC online application is not a fully automated system. The system just provides an online application form, which should be filled up by applicants. They are then required to go to a PRC office to submit the requirements for the licensure exam.

Notheless, the PRC online application is one step for a queue-less system in PRC.

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You need to go the PRC website so you can use the Online Application System. The website contains instructions that you should follow when filling up the online application form.

Take note that you should be careful when filling up the form because it will be a hassle for you if what you encoded is wrong.

For more information about the PRC online application, please contact PRC's Application Division at telephone number 314-0027. The line is only available from 8 AM to 5 PM,  Monday to Friday, except holidays.

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Do you have questions related to application or licensure at the PRC? Please tell me about it by leaving a comment.

Authorization Letter for PRC License Renewal

Many commenters asked me if it is possible for another person to renew their PRC license. This question was asked by professionals who are busy in their jobs or those who work outside of the Philippines (Overseas Filipino Workers or OFWs).

The answer to that question is a big “YES”! The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) allows professionals to send their representatives in submitting the renewal of professional license. Professionals who wish to this must issue an authorization letter or a Special Power of Attorney for their representatives.

The application form for PRC renewal also has a slip, which should be signed by the authorized representative. The form can be downloaded here. The slip for signature of your representative can be found on the second page of the application form.

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Just print the form and then write the required information. Your authorized representative should bring the authorization letter or the Special Power of Attorney and the signed application form when he/she go to the PRC. You authorized representative should also bring a government issued ID.

It is good that the PRC allows professionals to have other people deal the renewal of their professional registration. Filipino professionals are usually busy with their works and projects that renewal of PRC ID becomes a big hassle.

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NOTE: An anonymous commenter left this information regarding SPA and authorization letter:

My understanding is there is a difference between an SPA and an authorization letter. If your representative is a licensed professional then authorization is enough as PRC will also ask for your representative's PRC id. On the otherhand, if your representative is not a licensed professional then you need to have a SPA. I believe if you're abroad, the SPA can be processed in the embassy where you live.

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Do you have any questions about application or renewal of PRC ID? Please don't be afraid to ask that question. Tell me your question by posting a comment.

How to Change Your Name on PRC ID due to Marriage

I receive a lot of questions on this blog, and I am happy that I am receiving questions from readers. Many of these questions are related to registration of professionals to the Professional Registration Commission (PRC).

Today, I will answer at length a question left on one of my posts by an Anonymous commenter. The question of the anonymous commenter, I think, will concern all Philippine registered professionals, especially the women professionals. Here is her question:

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As of this date (October 26, 2012), the PRC satellite offices located at the SM Malls only accepts application for the renewal of PRC ID. Other services, including the initial registration of new professionals, can only be processed in the regular PRC offices. Included in these “other services” is the changing the registered name due to marriage.

Requirements in Changing Name on PRC ID Due to Marriage

1. Duly accomplished Petition Form that is notarized. The Petition Form can be obtained from the PRC office or can be downloaded here.

2. Certificate of Marriage or Marriage Contract issued by the National Statistics Office (NSO). The certificate or contract should be printed on NSO security paper.

3. One copy of 1.5 inch by 1.5 inch picture.

4. Metered documentary stamps, which are also available in the PRC office.

5. Statutory fee of 225 pesos.

Procedures

1. Photocopy all the supporting documents (i.e. marriage contract). You must both have the original and the photocopy when you go to the PRC.

2. Fill-up the Petition Form and have it notarized. PRC Offices also offer notary services. For PRC Manila, notary services is available at the Legal Division, which is located on the 2nd floor of the Main Building.

3. Proceed to Registration Division (for PRC Manila), located at the ground floor of the Main Building, for verification of your registered name. This division will also asses the fees that you will pay. You must have metered documentary stamps before you proceed to this step. For PRC Manila, metered documentary stamps are available at the Customer Service Counter.

4. For PRC Manila, go to Records Section located at the ground floor of Annex Building for the verification of your examination records.

5. Go to the cashier for the payment of fees.

6. Bring your receipt, Petition Form and supporting documents to one of the following windows: Window 16, Window 18 and Window 30. Get your claim slip.

7. Claim your new PRC ID as scheduled on your claim slip.

Some Notes

1. There is a possibility that your record in the PRC will not match your marriage contract. Bring your NSO Birth Certificate as another document to support your marriage contract.

2. Teachers follow a different procedure. They should go to 3 rd floor of the Annex Building of PRC Manila. For registration they should go to Window 21 or Window 22. For the records, they should go to Window 9.

3. Note that the procedures outlined here are for those who processing their registration at PRC Manila. Regional offices of the PRC may have different procedures for the changing of registered name on the PRC ID.

4. For more information, please visit the PRC website.

5. Ms. Paula Magpantay commented below that the fees for change of name is 225 Pesos. Notary fee is 50 pesos. Renewal of license (if on time) is 450 pesos. According to her, there is penalty for late renewal but it will not cost more than 2,500 pesos.

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Do you have further questions regarding the changing of name on the PRC ID or on other processes? Or do you experienced registering at the PRC? Tell us your questions and experiences by leaving a comment.

Renew Your PRC License in the Malls

Good news for professionals in the Philippines. The Professional Regulatory Commission (PRC) partnered with SM Malls in the opening of PRC ID Renewal Centers located in the various shopping malls in Metro Manila and the provinces. This is another milestone for the PRC because it made the renewal of PRC IDs convenient. Those who are renewing their PRC ID can literally shop after submitting their requirements.

Nine (9) SM Malls in Metro Manila and four (4) SM Malls in the provinces now have PRC Renewal Centers. These Metro Manila SM Malls are SM Mall of Asia (SM MoA), SM Marikina, SM Manila, SM Harrison Plaza, SM Sucat, SM Santa Mesa, SM Quiapo, SM Masinag, SM Novaliches. The SM Malls in the provinces that have PRC Renewal Centers are SM Dasmariñas, SM Bacoor, SM Calamba and SM Lipa City.

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The PRC Renewal Centers are open 7 days a week (including Saturdays and Sundays) during mall hours. Thus, professionals can renew their PRC ID in their own time and without the need to go to PRC offices. This  means that professionals can avoid the hassle of long lines at the PRC offices.

Filipino professionals can obtain the PRC ID, after submitting the complete requirements at these PRC Renewal Centers.

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Are you planning to renew your PRC license? Read these tips on renewing your professional license before going to the PRC.

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Information for this blog post was obtained from PRC website's pages here and here.

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Do you have a question about renewing your professional license? Or did you experienced renewing your license in the PRC Renewal Centers? Please tell me about it by leaving a comment.

Tips on Renewing Your Professional License at PRC

If you are an engineer, a doctor, a nurse or a professional in the Philippines; then I am sure that you visited the office of Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) to to renew your registration. Renewing your professional license can be an inconvenience, especially if you have to file a leave of absence just to renew. Going to the PRC can be less of a bother if you know what to expect when you are renewing  your professional license.

For those who are renewing their professional license, please read the regular procedures for professional license renewal. If you in the rush of renewing your license, please read the procedures in applying for Express ID. Before going to the PRC, decide which procedure you want to use because each procedures caters for different needs of professionals.
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If you are one of those who are renewing their license, then the following tips will be helpful to you:


Tip # 1: Apply for PRC License Renewal at the Malls

PRC offices are usually filled with applicants for new PRC License and those who are renewing their license. Also, these offices are only open during weekdays so you are forced to take a "leave of absence" from work just to renew your license. The good news is that you can renew your professional license at the PRC Renewal Centers located at selected SM Malls. These centers are open 7 days a week (including Saturday and Sunday) during mall hours. Read more about the PRC Renewal Centers at malls on my blog post.

Tip # 2: Don't go to PRC during registration of nurses

The nursing profession is one of the professions that has the most number of professionals in the Philippines. I suggest that you avoid going to the PRC during the board exam registration of nurses because PRC office is usually jam packed during those times. I usually see the queue of nurse registrants reach the sidewalks of Espana Boulevard. The large number of people will make it hard for you to move around the PRC office.

Tip # 3: Bring the All the Requirements

The requirement for renewing your professional license are:

1. Application form (PRC Reg Form 003) that can be obtained from the Information Window near the entrance get in PRC central office. The form can also be downloaded from the PRC website (PDF).

2. Two pieces of passport size picture (3.5 cm by 4.5 cm). The picture should be a close-up of your face and  colored. The background should be plain white. A complete name tag should be placed at the bottom part of the picture.

3. Photocopy of your recent professional license ID. In case of lost ID, you must provide PRC with an affidavit of loss. If the ID is destroyed, then you must surrender the destroyed ID to the PRC.

Tip # 4: Obtain “Certificate of Good Standing” from your profession's organization

When I first went to the PRC, the clerk don't want to accept my application and told me to go to my accredited organization of my profession to obtain a certificate of good standing. I suggest that you ask your professional organization if you need this certificate before going to the PRC.

Tip # 5: Bring your own photo

There are photo booths located inside the PRC central office. I don't recommend these photo booths because their picture, which they take using a webcam, is crappy. Four pieces of passport size picture, with “free” ID card holder, cost about 80 pesos. Please take note that you only need one photo when you are renewing your license.

What I did is that I made my own passport size photo using Photoshop. I followed the photo requirement of PRC and typed a name tag at the bottom. The format of the name tag is: [your surname], [your given name] [your middle name]. You can print your picture at photo printing shops for as low as 30 pesos.

You don't need to bring your own photo if you are renewing your professional license through the Express ID. PRC's Megadata Office will take the picture, which will be used for your ID.

Tip # 6: Bring enough money

My professional license just expired, so I paid 450 pesos. Expect to pay more than 450 pesos if your license is expired for more than a year because PRC gives penalty to professionals who defer the renewal of their license. There is an additional fee for those who are renewing through Express ID.

Tip # 7: Avoid dealing with fixers

I did not encounter any fixers when I renewed my professional license. The transaction in the PRC is fast, which made fixers irrelevant. However, be conscious of possibility that there are some a people who may trick you when you are t the PRC. I suggest that you only transact with PRC employees.

Renewing your PRC license is an inconvenience but not uneasy. Following the tips that I posted here will make your license renewal faster and easier.

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Do you have questions about renewing your license at the PRC? Please tell me about it by leaving a comment.

How to Apply for PRC Express ID

In the previous post, I talked about the regular procedure for the application for renewal of professional license at the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC). In the regular procedure, the professional license can only be obtained after three weeks or more after you submitted your application to the PRC.

What if you need to renew your professional license immediately? The solution for that is the PRC’s express ID or fast ID. The processing of professional license through express ID is just few hours. For those who applied for renewal in the morning, the professional license is released in the afternoon. For those who applied for renewal in the afternoon, the professional license can be obtained in the morning the next day.

PRC Express ID Procedure

Step 1: Get the application form (PRC Reg Form 003) from the Information Window, which located near the PRC central office’s entrance gate. The form can also be downloaded from the PRC website (PDF File). Please note that the application form is free of charge.

Step 2: Present the duly accomplished form together with requirements at Window 30, which is the priority window for those applying for Express ID.

Step 3: Go to “Megadata Office” as instructed by the clerk at Window 30. The Megadata personnel will take your photo, which will be used for your professional license ID. Megadata Office is located near the stairs inside the PRC main building.
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Megadata Office

Step 4: Go to the cashier at Window 36 to pay the fees for license renewal. You will also pay additional fees for the express ID.

Step 5: Get your claim slip at Window 30. The claim slip contains the date when you can claim your professional license. Make sure that you will not lose your claim slip.

Step 6: Claim you professional license at Window 31. The ID can be claimed in the afternoon, if the application was submitted in the morning. Those who applied in the afternoon can claim their ID in morning of the next day.

Do you need more information on the renewal of professional license? Please visit the PRC website or call (02) 736-2248. Read some tips on renewing your professional license at PRC.

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How to Renew Your Professional License at PRC

My professional license expired last month so I am forced to go to Professional Regulation Commission to renew my professional license. Renewing my professional license is easier as compared to the process that I underwent when I first applied at PRC after I passed the board exam. Sadly, I shelled a large amount of money during the renewal of my license.

The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) is the government agency that manages all the professions in the Philippines. All professionals, with the exception of lawyers, are required to register at the PRC. The central office of PRC is located in P. Paredes Street cor. Morayta Street, Sampaloc, Manila. The PRC central office can easily be reached by riding the buses and jeepneys that ply the Fairview – Quiapo route. Just tell the bus conductor or the jeepney driver that you want to go down to Morayta.

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PRC central office, Manila.

Applying for professional license renewal is easy and can be finished in just few hours, especially if you avoided the days of registration of nurses and other professions with large number of applicants. Also, be sure to have extra money with you when renewing your professional license.

Professional License Renewal Procedure

(Take note that the procedure listed here is the regular procedure from renewal of professional license. The procedure for Fast ID or express license renewal is available on the second part of this post)

Step 1: Obtain the application for professional license renewal (PRC Reg Form 003) from the Information Window. This window is located near the entrance gate of the PRC main office. The application form is free of charge. The application form can also be downloaded from the PRC website (PDF File).

Step 2: Present the duly accomplished form together with requirements at the Assessment Windows. The Assessment Windows are Window 17, Window 18 and Window 30. See the third part of this post for the requirements for the renewal of professional license.

Take note that PRC requires updated certificate of membership or certificate of good standing from Accredited Professional Organizations for some professions. Affected professions are:

*Agricultural Engineers

*Architects

*Customs Brokers

*Electrical Engineers

*Electronics Engineers

*Geodetic Engineers

*Guidance and Counseling

*Interior Designers

*Landscape Architects

The certificate requirement for Mechanical Engineers is currently suspended. If your profession is included in the list, I suggest that you visit your Professional Organization to obtain the required certificate before you head to PRC. Assessment Window clerks will not entertain you if you don’t have the required certificate.

Step 3: Pay the prescribed fees at the Cashier at Window 3 or Windows 33 to 36. I paid 450 pesos registration fee because my license just expired this year. I heard that there is an additional fee for those who renew their professional license; years after the license got expired.

Step 4: Get you claim slip at Window 30. Make sure that you will not lose your claim slip because you need it when you claim your new professional license ID. The PRC clerk at Window 30 will write the date when you can claim your professional license. The processing time for the license usually takes about three weeks but a friend told me that processing time can be reduced to a week if there are few people applying for professional license.

Step 5: Claim your professional license on the date written on the claim slip. If you are sending another person to claim your professional license, make sure that person has a special power of attorney or an authorization letter. Authorized representative should also sign the note located at the back page of the claim slip. Professional license can be claimed at Window 31.

For more information on the renewal of professional license, please visit the PRC website or call (02) 736-2248. Read some tips on renewing your professional license at PRC.

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